Abraham Lincoln portrayer will present "A New Birth of Freedom" at Robey Memorial Library October 2


Abraham Lincoln portrayer Kevin Wood will present “A New Birth of Freedom: Abraham Lincoln’s Abiding Call” Monday, October 2 at 6 p.m. at Robey Memorial Library in Waukon. This program is free to the public and sponsored by the Allamakee County Historical Society and Robey Memorial Library. Submitted photo.

Abraham Lincoln portrayer Kevin Wood will present “A New Birth of Freedom: Abraham Lincoln’s Abiding Call” Monday, October 2 at 6 p.m. in the Community Room at Robey Memorial Library in Waukon. This program is free to the public and sponsored by the Allamakee County Historical Society and Robey Memorial Library.

One hundred and fifty years after the American Civil War, it is still important today to remember those people and events which had a great influence on the development of this nation.  And whom better to hear that story from than that period’s greatest protagonist, Abraham Lincoln?

Adults and children alike will enjoy hearing a portrayed first-hand account from Mr. Lincoln's perspective of the history of the USA, from its establishment in 1776 through the end of the Civil War in 1865. This was a time of new ideas, tremendous change, and exciting growth in this young country.

Yet, at the same time, this period was also marked by great conflict and an uncertainty about the future as a people and a nation, as this country's bold experiment in democracy, founded upon the ideals of liberty and equality, appeared destined for failure by 1854. Events of that year, however, compelled Mr. Lincoln to re-enter politics and begin a long fight for the renewal and eventually an expansion of those great ideals, or in his own words, for a “new birth of freedom."

One of this nation’s most beloved and esteemed historical figures, Wood quotes from Lincoln's best-known speeches and writings, while also providing some surprising and interesting perspectives. Those who contemplate Mr. Lincoln’s story will likely gain a greater appreciation for the need to be vigilant still today to maintain the ideals of liberty and equality. While Wood talks about Lincoln's history, he also talks about Lincoln's own story: growing up on the frontier, his great desire to learn, the different jobs he had, why he liked to tell stories, what he keeps inside his hat, etc.

Mr. Lincoln is portrayed by Kevin Wood, a professional Lincoln presenter who bears a remarkable resemblance to “the Great Emancipator” and who is extremely knowledgeable about his life and times.  Mr. Wood also writes a blog - “Loath to Close… Still!” - which encourages others to reflect upon and learn from President Lincoln’s life and legacy.

For more information, visit www.mrlincoln.com or contact Robey Memorial Library with questions about this program at 563-568-4424 or www.waukon.lib.ia.us.